Prudence will solve Russia-Turkey row: Iran

Tehran, Nov 27 (IANS) The rising of tension between Moscow and Ankara over Turkey’s downing of a Russian warplane can be settled through mutual discretion and prudence, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif asserted on Friday.

“I am confident that the problem that has recently emerged between two of our neighbouring and friend countries in the region (Turkey and Russia) will be settled through the two sides’ prudence and discretion, and all of us will be able to fight the main problem in the region and in the world, namely terrorism,” Zarif said in a message to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Press TV reported.

He also called for the further promotion of mutual cooperation between Tehran and Ankara, saying that constant consultations between the two sides would play a positive role in finding solutions to issues facing the region and the Muslim world, which is now in a “very sensitive and complicated” situation.

Turkey shot down a Russian Sukhoi Su-24M jet inside Syria on Tuesday, claiming that the aircraft violated the Turkish airspace. Russia rejects Turkey’s claim, saying it did not enter the country’s skies.

The shooting down incident has heightened tensions in the relations between the two countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Ankara apologize over the incident. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has, however, responded by saying that Turkey does not owe Russia an apology over the matter.